“One more week, the year is over, so long 2020. Much of it was scary, some of it sober, none of it was funny. We saw our lives change in the blink of an eye, in turn, changed the way we lived to survive. Music played an integral part of hibernation, keeping spirits afloat in this Divided Nation. So I raise a glass to all the writers who recorded. Performing intimate shows, it’s for those we applauded.” -Radstarr

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Earlier in the year, Terrace Martin put out an eclectic album called Dinner Party, with three standout artists including Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, and 9th Wonder. in July, their single “Sleepless Nights” was my “Jazz Cut Of The Week.” Narrated by Snoop, it’s a swanky dinner affair that begs to be heard. Then he served us Dessert, taking his Dinner Party to the next level with remixed versions.

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Now he returns with a Christmas joint? Well, sort of. Village Days combines Christmas music with jazz, rap, and soul. Last week we talked about “The Christmas Song (featuring Alex Islay)” and this week we are conversing about “Never Saw it Coming,” which was released to Spotify along with the rest of the EP. There’s a heavy jazz influence, with soulful choruses, and some respectable bits of hiphop. Is there nothing this L.A. player can do? Terrace is on fire!

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Dent May returns to form on his latest track with Local Opener called “Show You Love.” His vocals harken back to his ukelele days and that a plus for me.

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I have never been a big Frank Zappa fan, but this instrumental, “Watermelon In Easter Hay,” from his 1978 Live album A Very Zappa Birthday, is an introspective jam, that will take you away for eight minutes or so, and has me interested in the rest of the content.

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My brother and family have seen The Neighborhood on several occasions and spoken highly of them. I have dabbled in their catalog, but Chip Chrome and the Mono-Tone’s might be the album to win me over. I was pleasantly surprised when “Here We Go Again” came on in the background this week.

This year more than ever I have become obsessed with jazz. If I’m not playing hip-hop or rock, I’m spinning some form of bop. This year I incorporated a “Jazz Cut Of The Week,” and it became one of my favorite parts of Release Radar.

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“End Of The Year,” from Sam Lachow and company is a nice way to end the year. From the Huckleberry Holidays EP, it signals an end to what was, and an ode to new beginnings. Rap and jazz merge for your enjoyment.

May 2021 bring health and happiness to you and yours.

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